find a way to exploit his weakness.”
She frowned. “It could work.”
“It better.” Trevor turned to Eve. “Everything okay?”
She thought about it. “No. How is Aldo going to know about the vomitorium?”
“Once he discovers the Via Spagnola tunnel, he'll reconnoiter and the vomitorium is fairly easy to find for someone used to negotiating tunnels. Once he finds it, he's not going to go any farther.”
“Why not?”
“He'll know it's the place. I've set it up. I've got lamps, batteries, and photo equipment all over the place down there. He won't be able to miss what's going to happen.”
“How can you be so sure he'll even find it? It's a hell of a lot to assume.”
“You're right. That's why I set up a video camera on the ledge where Joe's going to be waiting. It's pointed directly down at the vomitorium. If Aldo's exploring down there, we'll know it. Trust me.”
“I don't trust anyone where Jane's safety's concerned. And I hate the idea of using her as bait.”
“Eve, you knew that this was the only way we could do it,” Jane said quietly. “And Joe is going to be there to protect me.”
“And I'll be there, too,” Trevor said. “I'm taking her down to the vomitorium that night. You go down ahead of us, Quinn. I'll scout out the tunnel before we take her down and be with her as far as the offshoot passage before I join you at the ledge. I'll guarantee she'll be safe until she gets to the vomitorium. After that it's up to all of us to make sure she stays safe.”
“Why can't we bring more security down there?”
“The minute he'd see them, he'd flit. As long as we don't let him get near Jane, she'll be safe. He never uses a gun. He wants ritual. It's important to him. We don't give a damn about ritual; a rifle bullet will suit us just fine.”
“This had better work, Trevor,” Eve said grimly.
“Lord, what's a man got to do? I'm open to suggestions.”
“You'll get them if we see any signs that this damn plan is disintegrating.” She turned and headed toward the doorway leading to the hall. “And in the meantime I'm going to bed. I'm beat. Joe?”
“I'll be there in a minute.” Joe finished his coffee. “I'm going to check with the security boys and see if they've noticed anything.”
“It's too early,” Trevor said. “Aldo's not going to make a move yet.”
“It must be wonderful to be able to see into a crystal ball,” Joe said sarcastically as he opened the kitchen door. “Personally, I've always found that it's better to expect the unexpected.”
“So have I,” Trevor murmured as the door closed behind Joe. “Usually. But Aldo is different. . . . I feel like I know what he's thinking—it's different.” He picked up the cups and plates and took them to the sink. “And maybe I'm wrong and Quinn is right on target. Having two varying viewpoints only makes it safer for you.” He turned to face her. “You were very quiet while I was sketching in my ‘master plan.' Don't you think it will work?”
“I've no idea. It's difficult to imagine. . . .” She moistened her lips. “You said that the tunnel was directly below this house?”
“Yes.” His gaze narrowed on her face. “Does that make you nervous?”
She shook her head. “Not nervous.” Her glance shifted to the window. “It's getting dark. It will be even darker in the tunnel, won't it?”
“Yes. What are you thinking?”
She looked back at him. “I want you to take me through the tunnel. I want to see this vomitorium and I want to see for myself where Sontag barricaded the tunnel anteroom where Cira is supposed to be.”
“We couldn't get close. Quinn has the tunnel guarded. Besides, you'll see it tomorrow night.”
She shook her head impatiently. “Not with a gaggle of reporters on our heels. Tonight.”
“Because you want to make sure I'm not off base?”
“I want to see those tunnels. I don't care how close or far away I have to be. You said you didn't think that Aldo was in striking distance.”
“I also said I could be wrong.”
“But he doesn't know about the Via Spagnola tunnel. We'd be safe there. What about the tunnels close to the theater?”
“If he didn't have a reason, he probably wouldn't be down there. It's pretty nasty and those tunnels are lit by electric light and guarded by the locals.”
“Would they bother us if we ran across them?”
“I believe I could talk our